Remove Recycle Bin from Desktop in Windows

Looking to remove Recycle Bin from your desktop? One reason you may want to remove or delete recycle bin icon is that you have bypassed the Recycle Bin and set your system to automatically delete files. Or maybe you just prefer a clean desktop without any icons.

Why Remove Recycle Bin Icon from Your Desktop?

There are several reasons you might want to remove the Recycle Bin icon from your Windows desktop:

• Minimalist Aesthetic: Some users prefer a clutter-free desktop for a cleaner and more organized look.
• Auto-Deletion of Files: If you have set Windows to automatically delete files instead of sending them to the Recycle Bin, the icon becomes redundant.
• Prevent Accidental Restores: Removing the icon reduces the chance of accidentally restoring deleted files.
• Workstation Customization: IT administrators or advanced users may remove it as part of a controlled desktop environment.

How to Remove Recycle Bin from Desktop

With modern versions of Microsoft Windows Recycle Bin removal is relatively simple and can usually be done graphically. The following method should work on Windows 10 and 11. Here are the steps to remove the Recycle Bin from your desktop:

1. Right-click on your desktop and select Personalize.
2. In the left pane, select Themes.
3. Under Related Settings, click Desktop icon settings.
4. In the window that appears, uncheck the Recycle Bin box.
5. Click OK to save your changes.

Removing the Recycle Bin via Registry Editor

If the standard method doesn’t work, you can remove the Recycle Bin by editing the Windows Registry.

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. In the Registry Editor, navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
 └── SOFTWARE
     └── Microsoft
         └── Windows
             └── CurrentVersion
                 └── Explorer
                     └── Desktop
                         └── NameSpace

1. Find and delete the following key:
   {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}

Delete Recycle Bin Using a Registry File

To make this process easier, you can use a registry file:

1. Download delrecyclebin.zip and extract the files.
2. Double-click the delrecycle.reg file.
3. Click Yes when prompted to add the information to the registry.

Restore Missing Recycle Bin Icon

To restore the Recycle Bin, follow these steps:

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. In the Registry Editor, navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
 └── SOFTWARE
     └── Microsoft
         └── Windows
             └── CurrentVersion
                 └── Explorer
                     └── Desktop
                         └── NameSpace

1. Right-click NameSpace and select New > Key.
2. Name the new key as:
   {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}

Restore Recycle Bin Using a Registry File

You can also restore the Recycle Bin automatically, here's how:

1. Double click the enablerecycle.reg file (included in the zip file linked above).
2. Click Yes when prompted to add the new information to the registry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will removing the Recycle Bin delete my files permanently?

No, removing the Recycle Bin icon from the desktop only hides it. Deleted files will still be stored in the Recycle Bin unless you have configured Windows to bypass it.

Can I still access the Recycle Bin after removing it from the desktop?

Yes! You can open the Recycle Bin by typing Recycle Bin in the Windows search bar or by navigating to C:\$Recycle.Bin in File Explorer.

Does removing the Recycle Bin improve system performance?

No, hiding the Recycle Bin icon does not affect system performance. It is purely a visual preference.

How do I permanently delete files without using the Recycle Bin?

You can permanently delete files by selecting them and pressing Shift + Delete, which bypasses the Recycle Bin.

How can I get the Recycle Bin back if I change my mind?

You can restore the Recycle Bin using the steps in the Restore Missing Recycle Bin Icon section above.

Final Thoughts

Removing Recycle Bin from your desktop can help you declutter your workspace and prevent accidental file restorations. Whether you prefer a minimalist look or want to enforce a workstation policy, these methods provide multiple ways to accomplish your goal.

Should you ever need to restore the Recycle Bin, the process is just as simple. Using the registry editor or a pre-configured registry file, you can bring back the icon whenever needed.